Spillover Effect Details
- Policy
-
EU AI Act
- Alternative
-
AI Ethics and Impact Assessment Framework for SMEs
- Dimension
- Environment
- Criteria
-
- Reduction of CO2 emissions
- Time Frame
- 30
- Score
-
- PositiveImpact
- The framework could provide SMEs with the necessary tools to conduct ethical AI assessments, leading to reduced bias and discrimination in AI applications. This could foster public trust in AI solutions, encouraging broader adoption of sustainable technologies. Moreover, by integrating ethical considerations and CO2 reduction strategies into product development, SMEs might contribute significantly to lowering carbon footprints associated with AI systems, leading to long-term environmental benefits.
- NegativeImpact
- If the framework is not adequately enforced or supported with sufficient resources, it may lead to inconsistent compliance among SMEs, resulting in a divided landscape of AI applications that still carry risks of bias and harm. Furthermore, a focus on SMEs without addressing larger corporations might inadvertently allow larger entities to exploit these loopholes, leading to increased carbon emissions in the long run. Also, the complexity of compliance could discourage SMEs from innovating, leading to stagnation in sustainable AI advancements.
- Description
- The proposed alternative faces significant challenges, particularly in implementation. While it aims to develop ethical guidelines for SMEs in compliance with the EU AI Act, the effectiveness depends heavily on the adequacy of resources, training, and monitoring. If these elements are lacking, the framework risks failing to achieve its objectives, potentially preserving or even exacerbating existing societal and ethical issues related to AI, which could negatively impact future generations and the environment. Compared to alternatives like AI Accountability Training or AI-Enhanced Environmental Education, this proposal appears less robust in addressing urgent environmental concerns or enhancing public trust comprehensively.